Montreal’s Folk Fest sur le canal 10th Anniversary lineup

Montreal’s Folk Fest sur le canal

The Folk Fest sur le canal will celebrate ten years in Montreal’s Sud‑Ouest borough from June 14 to 18. The annual family-friendly festival announces five days of world-class music with singer/songwriter, world music, Quebec traditional, indigenous music, blue grass, and indie-folk.

The 2017 Folk Fest kicks off on Wednesday, June 14, with a free opening party at Bar de Courcelle featuring The Off-Whites.

On Thursday evening, concerts at the Maison de la culture Marie-Uguay and the gorgeous Paradoxe Theatre will simultaneously pay homage to Montreal’s queen of folk, Penny Lang, and country music legend Willie Nelson. Organized in partnership with FamGroup, the Penny Lang tribute will see musicians from across the country coalesce in Montreal to show their love and respect for the late singer/songwriter. Across the street at the Paradoxe Theatre, Joe Grass and friends will perform classic Willie Nelson hits and deeper cuts.

Donovan Woods, Sarah Harmer, John Jacob Magistery, Les Tireux d’Roches, Ian Kelly, and Birds of Chicago are just a few of the world-class musical acts playing at the free outdoor venue at Centennial Esplanade (corner of St-Patrick and Pitt). From Friday afternoon to Sunday night, the outdoor venue along the Lachine Canal will host music and dance, local food and crafts, and family-friendly activities. The Lhasa de Sela tent will host close to 20 young local musicians, plus a feature concert showcasing cherished youth performer Henri Godon. This year’s Quartier du Canal stage will feature a dozen homegrown acts.

An array of auction items will be up for grabs to raise funds for the Lhasa de Sela Youth Bursary for Excellence in Music. The bursary is an annual financial award intended to support young Sud-Ouest musicians who wish to further their study or practice of music.

New to the Folk Fest this year, veteran Montreal folkie and current Yellow Door Coffeehouse director, Marc Nerenberg and Les Troubadours du Yellow Door will host a singalong under the Lhasa Tent.

On Friday, June 17, an old-time community square dance will be held under the Lhasa Tent with renowned caller Peg Evans and an all-star old-time band featuring members of the All Day Breakfast Stringband.

On Saturday, June 18, the celebrated Veillée du canal will be hosted by traditional Quebecois dance caller Michel Payer and a stellar dance band led by fiddler Marie-Pierre Lecault from Bon Débarras and Zogma.

Every night, festivalgoers can head to Bar de Courcelle, the official after-hours meeting place.

VIP passes are available for those looking for the ultimate festival experience: VIP Weekend Pass: $100

Enjoy a spot in the outdoor VIP area from Friday through Sunday; includes snacks, a chair in the shade, and many more perks.  VIP Day Pass: $40 Enjoy a spot in the outdoor VIP area on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Includes snacks, a chair in the shade, and many more perks.

For more show information: www.montrealfolkfest.com; facebook.com/FestivalFolkMTL
Twitter: @mtlfolkfestival; Instagram: instagram.com/festivalsurlecanal

Events take place at: Bar de Courcelle, 4685 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Maison de la culture Marie-Uguay, 6052 Boulevard Monk
Paradoxe Theatre, 5959 Boulevard Monk, Centennial Esplanade, corner of St-Patrick and Pitt